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Arts & Culture for Kids, Holidays

Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates

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Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates
A play based on the classic novel by Mary Mapes Dodge
Stage play by Laura Eason

A Metro Theater Company Production
Grandel Theatre
3610 Grandel Square
December 8–30, 2017

“A wonderful way to share the spirit of the season”
— Talking Broadway

In this timeless story, Hans and Gretel Brinker strive to provide for their family and prove their own worth by entering a local speedskating contest – first prize is a pair of gleaming silver skates! The play culminates with a spectacular St. Nicholas Day race on the stage of The Grandel Theatre stage. Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates celebrates generosity, helping others, and is an exhilarating tale of courage and determination.

The original novel by Mary Mapes Dodge has been in print since 1865 and is credited with popularizing the sport of speed-skating in the United States. Metro Theater Company presents a modern interpretation of this timeless tale adapted by House of Cards screenwriter Laura Eason.

Recommended for adults and young people 2nd–8th grade. Approximate run time is 70 minutes without an intermission.

Know before you go! Read the Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates education guide.

(l to r) Pete Winfrey, Sigrid Wise

Public Performances
December 8–22
Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm AND Sundays at 2 pm

Saturday, December 23 at 2 pm
Tuesday-Saturday, December 26-30 at 2 pm
Friday, December 29 at 7 pm

Tickets
Adult: $20
Student/Military/Senior (55+): $16
Groups of 10 or more: $14/ticket
Orchestra Box (seats 4): $72
Order tickets today via MetroTix.

Parking
There is ample metered street parking in front of the Grandel.

Questions?
Contact Michael Perkins, Community Engagement Manager at michael@metroplays.org or call 314.932.7414 x106

(l to r) Antony Terrell, Sigrid Wise, Erika Flowers-Roberts, Pete Winfrey

Synopsis
In a small Dutch town near Amsterdam, industrious teenager Hans Brinker and his younger sister Gretel yearn to participate in December’s great ice skating race on the canal, despite them owning only wooden skates.

The siblings must work to support their family while their mother cares for their father, Raff, who has been bedridden for 10 years after a fall from a dike. The Brinkers can’t afford school and must all work to support the family; they’re looked down upon, especially by the wealthy Katrinka Vos and Carl Voost, because of their low status.

But Hans has a chance meeting with a famous (though mysteriously gruff) surgeon named Dr. Boekman and persuades him to examine the Brinkers’ father. He diagnoses pressure on the brain, which can be cured by a risky and expensive operation.

Hans offers his own money to pay for his father’s operation. Touched by this gesture, Dr. Boekman provides the surgery for free. Hans overcomes his pride and accepts help from his friends Heidi and Peter: they loan steel skates for Gretel and himself to use in the race Gretel wins the girls’ race, but Hans lets Peter — who needs it more —win the Silver Skates in the boys’ race.

Mr. Brinker’s operation is successful, and he is able to remember where he’s hidden a bag of guilders to help the family, as well as the circumstances surrounding a pocket watch that belonged to Dr. Boekman’s son. This discovery helps the doctor start to reconcile with his son, and the Brinker family goes on to live a long and happy life.

Cast
Erika Flowers-Roberts – Heidi Von Gleck
Erick Lindsey – Dr. Boekman/Carl Voost
Roxane McWilliams – Musician
Jennifer Theby-Quinn – Dame Brinker/Katrinka Vos
Spencer Sickmann – Raff Brinker/Announcer
Antony Terrell – Peter Von Holp/Young Man/Vollenhoven
Pete Winfrey – Hans Brinker
Sigrid Wise – Gretel Brinker

School Matinees
Are you a teacher? Performances for school groups are Tuesdays-Fridays, December 5-22 at 10 am. Tickets are $8. For information about booking a school performance, contact the Community Engagement Manager at community@metroplays.org or 314.932.7414 ext. 106.

Give
Inspired by the intelligence and emotional wisdom of young people, the Metro Theater Company creates professional theater, fosters inclusive community, and nurtures meaningful learning through the arts. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to this wonderful nonprofit organization. About two-thirds of the Metro Theater Company’s annual operating budget comes from contributed income. Every gift makes an important impact!

 

Photography: Metro Theater Company

Arts & Culture Events for Preschoolers, Arts & Culture for Kids, Community, Holidays

Lunar New Year Celebrations

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YearoftheRoosterBring the family to celebrate the Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Rooster! Here are some highlights of St. Louis area celebrations open to the public.

The Magic House
Saturday, January 28, 2017, 10 am to 2 pm
Families can enjoy a Lion Dance performance, arts, crafts, and Chinese face painting. Free with museum admission.

Saint Louis Art Museum Lunar New Year Festival
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Explore Chinese, Korean, and Taiwanese culture with activities, performances, and demonstrations. Special performances including a Lion Dance and T’ai Chi and Kung Fu demonstrations start at 2 pm in the Sculpture Hall. Free.

University City Lunar New Year 2017
February 3 and 4, 2017
Experience parades, lion dances, authentic Chinese food, 50 local artists, hands-on activities, and performances. Performances are in partnership with the Lunar New Year Festival student run organization of Washington University. Free.

Lunar New Year Festival Kick Off
Friday, February 3, 2017, 5 to 9 pm
Mandarin House Banquet Center, 8004 Olive Boulevard,
University City
Night Market: Featuring Taste of Asia restaurants, artisans, retailers
6 pm: Chinese Community Performers
7 pm: Fusion
8 pm: DJ

Lunar New Year Parade & Festival
Saturday, February 4, 2017, 11 am
11 to 11: 30 am: Pre-Parade Gathering Brittany Woods Middle
11:30 to noon: Lunar New Year Parade (Weather Permitting)
Departs Brittany Woods Middle School, 8125 Groby Road, St. Louis, MO 63130 at 11:30 am. The parade heads north down 81st Street, and turns into the parking lot of Seafood City, ending at the Mandarin House Banquet Center, 8004 Olive Boulevard.

Night Market
Noon to 8 pm
Mandarin House Banquet Center
8004 Olive Boulevard, University City
Featuring Taste of Asia restaurants, artisans, and retailers.

Performances
Mandarin House Banquet Center, 8004 Olive Boulevard,
University City
1 pm: Lion Dance Kickoff
2 to 4 pm: Washington University Lunar New Year Festival Performances
4 pm: DJ
5 pm: Chinese School Performers
6 pm: Fusion
7 pm: Headliners
8 pm: DJ

Lunar New Year Festival at the Edison Theatre
6465 Forsyth Boulevard
February 10, 2017 at 7 pm
February 11, 2017 at 2 pm and 7 pm
The Lunar New Year Festival (LNYF) is an annual event on the Washington University Campus celebrating the Lunar New Year and promoting awareness of the different aspects of Asian culture from China to Korea and more. This spectacular show in the Edison Theatre, is a completely student-run production and promotes interaction and unity among the various Asian groups on campus. Through a great variety of exciting performances of acting, dancing, and music, people of all backgrounds can enjoy and celebrate the New Year together. Tickets $10.

 

 

Arts & Culture Events for Preschoolers, Arts & Culture for Kids, Community

Laumeier Sculpture Park Fall and Winter Programs

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LaumeierSculptureParkFallWinterPrograms

Have you been to Laumeier Sculpture Park lately? In addition to being a great place to explore and run around (dogs too!), this beautiful sculpture park has an exciting and diverse number of arts education programs for youth of all ages as well as adults. Be sure to check out their special holiday art workshops. (Snow globes!) Sign up today for a fun experience.

Here is a just a sample of their wide range of family programs. Registration fee includes one adult with one child; children must be accompanied by an adult.

ArtSparks / Adult with Child Ages Pre-K
Thursday, September 8 / 11 am to noon / $10

Monarch Mania / Adult with Child Ages 4 to 12
Saturday, September 10 / 2 to 4 pm / $40

ArtSparks / Adult with Child Ages Pre-K
Thursday, September 22 / 11 to noon / $10

Things That Go Bump in the Night / Adult with Child Ages 4 to 12
Saturday, September 24 / 7 to 9 pm / $20

Bye Bye Birdies / Adult with Child Ages 4 to 12
Saturday, October 22 / 2 to 4 pm / $40

The Sounds That Surround Us / Adult with Child Ages 4 to 12
Saturday, November 19 / 1:30 to 3:30 pm / $40

Read their Fall and Winter Programs Guide.

Learn about Laumeier Sculpture Park’s education programs.

 

Arts & Culture for Kids, Community, What to Read

Used Book Sale at the J

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The Used Book Sale at the J is one of my favorite sales of the year. In the past, some of the great family friendly items that I have discovered are out-of-print children’s books, newer beginning readers and board books, unused sticker books, massive atlases, piano scores, children’s dictionaries, old textbooks with fascinating drawings that are excellent for art projects, cookbooks, kids joke books, and much more. The bargain priced items vary of course from sale to sale, but you never know what you will find.

The volunteers are very helpful and the sale is well organized. Be sure to keep an eye out for books underneath the tables as some of that stock does not get looked through as often. Plastic bags are provided but feel free to bring your own sturdier bag in case you end up with more than an armful of books. I have also seen friendly volunteers help Moms if they have a squirmy or non-stop chatty child or need assistance loading their car.

Proceeds from the sale benefit the Roswell and Wilma Messing Cultural Arts and Education Department.

Details about the event:

Jewish Community Center
Staenberg Family Complex Arts & Education Building
2 Millstone Campus Drive
FREE parking in lot

Sunday, February 1, 2015
Preview Day, 10 am to 4 pm
Admission $10/per person (free for ages 16 and under)

February 2, 3, and 4, 2015
FREE admission, 10 am to 7 pm

Thursday, February 5, 2015
FREE admission, Bag Day (Fill a bag for $5–bag provided)
10 am to 6 pm

Questions? Call 314.442.3169.

books

 

Have books to donate?

Books may be dropped off at the Jewish Community Center’s Arts and Education Building. Please limit drop off at this location to one box or less. You may also drop books off at H. F. Epstein Hebrew Academy located just minutes from the “J” on 1138 Warson Road. All donors should report to the school office where you will connect with a building and grounds staff member who will assist you in unloading your books.

Drop Off Hours at Epstein Hebrew Academy:
School Hours (August 18 – May 20)
Monday – Friday: 9 am to 4 pm

Volunteers needed!

In preparation for the bi-annual Used Book Sales, volunteer markers are needed at Epstein Hebrew Academy to work on Tuesdays during the day. Volunteers will be trained and there is no heavy lifting. Volunteers can work a full shift or only a portion, 10 am to 3 pm. If you have any questions or wish to volunteer, please contact Zelda Sparks, 314.442.3169.

 

Photos: Shutterstock and Janis Christie/Getty Images

Arts & Culture for Kids

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis: a children’s opera

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis brings the magic of opera to children ages 5 – 14 with The Very Last Green Thing at the Touhill Performing Arts Center

Free Public Dress Rehearsal: October 19
School Day Matinees: October 21 through 25
Two Public Performances: October 26

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis continues its long-term commitment to inspiring the next generation of opera-goers with the production of The Very Last Green Thing, a young people’s opera by Cary John Franklin and Michael Patrick Albano. Originally commissioned by Opera Theatre of Saint Louis in 1992, The Very Last Green Thing is an environmental fable set 400 years in the future. The 35 minute production will be conducted by Vince Lee and is directed by Doug Scholz-Carlson. The cast features 18 talented young singers (ages 9-16) from across the bi-state area, as well as former OTSL Gerdine Young Artist Daniel Brevik.

In The Very Last Green Thing, audiences journey to a classroom in the year 2413, where a group of students is raised and taught by an android. On a rare field trip “outside,” a group of students discover something completely foreign to them – the very last green thing on earth, uncovering secrets from our planet’s past. A beautiful story for young people, the production introduces both opera and ecological issues to audiences of all ages. Eighteen singers were selected through a rigorous audition process to perform the majority of the roles in the production:

Evan Adams – Grand Center Arts Academy
Hannah Belobrajdic – Edwardsville High School
Esther Davis – Francis Howell Central High School
Libby Hillerman – Our Lady of Lourdes School
Jordan Jones – Barbara Jordan Elementary School
Sydney Jones – Nipher Middle School
Lilly Kanterman – Forsyth School
Lauren Lundy – Notre Dame High School
Ellie McAvin – Edgar Road Elementary
Ifabunmi Muhammad-Ojedele – Crossroads College Preparatory School
Marissa Pineda – Grand Center Arts Academy
Alexander Pompian – Meramec School
Abigail Powers – Mehlville High School
Grace Robertson – Washington Middle School
Ellie Schwartz – Community School
Fiona Scott – Holy Cross Academy
Caden Self – Homeschool
Michelle Springer – Wydown Middle School

In keeping with the environmentally conscious themes of the opera, Opera Theatre is producing The Very Last Green Thing in a “green” manner, recycling and “up-cycling” a significant portion of the opera’s design. Set designer Scott C. Neale has imagined a world constructed in part from clear water bottles. Stacy Snyder Harris has employed similar ingenuity to the production’s costume design, as has lighting designer Joe Clapper. After the production closes in St. Louis, the sets and costumes will be re-purposed for a production at the Amarillo Opera in February of 2014, further reducing the production’s overall carbon footprint.

The Very Last Green Thing is made possible through generous support from both PNC Arts Alive and the Monsanto Fund, which also serves as the lead sponsor of Opera Theatre’s Monsanto Artists-in-Training program for high school students. The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. PNC Arts Alive is part of The PNC Foundation’s multi-year, $2 million investment in St. Louis that supports visual and performing arts groups with the goal of increasing arts access and engagement in new and innovative ways.

Tickets
As part of the American Arts Experience, Opera Theatre offers a limited block of free tickets to the production’s final orchestra dress rehearsal at the Lee Theater at the Touhill Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, Saturday, October 19, 2013 at 3 pm. Students in grades 2-8 from across the St. Louis region will attend school day performances at 9:30 am and 11 am, Monday, October 21, 2013 through Friday, October 25, 2013. Tickets to these performances are $6 for students and teachers. Reservations for both the free orchestra dress rehearsal and the school performances can be made by phone at 314.963.4251 or via email to 251@opera-stl.org.

Two public performances will be offered Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 10 am and 11:30 am. Tickets to these performances are $10 for children and $12 for adults. Reservations for public performances can be made by phone at 314.516.4949 or online.

Arts & Culture Events for Preschoolers, Arts & Culture for Kids

Chalk Festival in the Loop

The Delmar Loop hosts its third annual chalk festival on Saturday, August 31, 2013 (rain date is September 1) at the Chuck Berry Statue, 6555 Delmar, 9 am to 5 pm. Great for artists of any age!

Artists can register and compete in one of four categories:
* Best of The Loop Theme: The Loop was designated “One of the 10 Great Streets in America” by the American Planning Association. Capture in chalk what you love most about The Loop.

* Chalk of Fame: Choose an inductee from the St. Louis Walk of Fame and portray an important aspect of his or her life or achievements through chalk.

* Most Creative: Free your mind. Draw anything.

* Chalk Land: Chalking space for children ages 12 and under.

Entry Fees for Artists (includes all supplies)
$10 for adults (ages 18 and up)
$8 for students (ages 13-18)
$6 for children (12 and under)
Free for spectators.

Prizes
The winning artists in each category will be featured on The Loop’s website with photos of their winning artwork, artistic biographies, and links to their portfolios or personal websites. Winners will also receive cash prizes and gift certificates from a variety of Loop businesses.

Register
Register here in advance. After registration is complete, artists should print out the confirmation of payment and bring it along with them to the event check-in on Saturday, August 31, 2013 starting at 9 am, at the Chuck Berry Statue. Participants will receive chalk and designated areas where they can get their chalk on! Be sure to arrive in time to complete your masterpiece. Judging is 5 to 6 pm. You can also register in person the day of the event.

Arts & Culture Events for Preschoolers, Arts & Culture for Kids

Upcoming book sales

Celebrate the joy of reading with your children! Pick up some new, entertaining, out of print, and well-priced reads at these upcoming book sales. Note: the preview days for both of these sales mainly tend to attract book sellers.

Friends of Kirkwood Public Library Annual Book Sale, April 24-28, 2013
Olympic Oaks Shopping Center, 12145 Manchester Road, Des Peres, MO 63131
314.821.5770 x1023 or KPLFriends@kirkwoodpubliclibrary.org

Wednesday, April 24, 2013, 1 to 8 pm: $5 entry fee, Wednesday ONLY. Line tickets given out starting at 8 am.
Thursday, April 25, 2013, 9 am to 8 pm
Friday, April 26, 2013, 9 am to 8 pm
Saturday, April 27, 2013, 9 am to 5 pm
Sunday, April 28, 2013, 11 am to 5 pm, Bag Day: a bag of books for $5 (bags are provided)

Over 35,000 Books. Thousands of fiction and nonfiction books at bargain prices in a wide variety of categories. Hardcovers, paperbacks, CDs, DVDs, audio books, old/rare books. Proceeds benefit the Kirkwood Public Library. Cash and checks accepted, no credit cards.

Greater St. Louis Book Fair, April 25-28, 2013
Macy’s at West County Center
80 West County Center, St. Louis MO 63131
East Parking Garage, Lower Level
314.993.1995 or info@stlouisbookfair.org

Thursday, April 25, 2013, Preview Event, $10 General Admission, 4 to 9 pm
Friday, April 26, 2013, FREE General Admission, 10 am to 9 pm
Saturday, April 27, 2013, Shopping for persons with disabilities, 9 to 10 am
Saturday, April 27, 2013, FREE General Admission, 10 am to 9 pm
Sunday, April 28, 2013, FREE General Admission, Half-Price Day, 11 am to 6 pm

Greater St. Louis Book Fair is one of the nation’s oldest, largest, and most popular charity book sales. For over 60 years, book lovers and collectors have enjoyed bargain prices on a diverse and quality selection of new, gently-used, and rare books, as well as records, CDs, DVDs, comics, and more. Fair proceeds benefit local nonprofit education and literacy programs for underserved individuals in the St. Louis region. Most items are $1 to $5 each. Cash, check, and credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, and Discover) accepted.


Arts & Culture Events for Preschoolers, Arts & Culture for Kids

Community Music School Summer Programs

The Community Music School of Webster University offers a variety of excellent summer music programs for children ages birth through 18 years old. Programs include: Family Camp (early childhood music), Band, Flute, Low Brass, String Orchestra, Chamber Music Encounter, Summer Composition Intensive, and Individual Lessons. The registration deadline for June camps is May 15 and deadline for July camps is June 15. For more information, call 314.968.5939.

Music Program Application
Music Program Brochure

Family Camp: Creatures at the Ocean! For children aged birth-6 years and their caregivers. Strauss Center (in Chesterfield): 9:30 to 10:30 am. Thursdays, June 20, 27, July 11, 18, 25. Webster Groves: 9:30 to 10:30 am. Tuesdays, June 18, 25, July 9, 16, 23.

Band Camp: Students entering grades 7-12 in Fall 2013. June 24-28, 9 am to 3 pm in Webster Groves.

Flute Camp: Students entering grades 7-12 in Fall 2013. June 10-14, 2 to 5 pm in Webster Groves.

Low Brass Week: Trombone, baritone/euphonium, and tuba students ages 13-18 years. June 10-14, 9 am to 3 pm in Webster Groves.

String Orchestra Camp: Violin, viola, cello, and bass students ages 7-high school. June 17-21, 9 am to noon in Webster Groves.

Chamber Music Encounter: Violin, viola, cello, and piano students through high school. June 17-21, 12:30 to 3 pm in Webster Groves.

Summer Composition Intensive: Students entering grades 7-12 in Fall 2013. July 8-19 (Monday-Friday), 9 am to 2 pm in Webster Groves.

Founded in 1925, CMS offers outstanding music education and performance opportunities to students of all ages and abilities and serves the entire St. Louis metropolitan region and beyond. Classes are available at CMS headquarters located on the Webster University campus in Webster Groves, at Faust Park in West County, and in University City. The Community Music School of Webster University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and is a certified member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education.

Photo: Community Music School of Webster University
Arts & Culture for Kids

Kids yoga class at Prana Yoga

Prana Yoga in Des Peres offers a fun yoga class designed for kids age 5 to 13 on Wednesdays at 4:30 pm. No prior yoga experience is necessary and mats are available for use during class or bring your own. The 45 minute session is $10 and caregivers can participate with their child as well. Be sure to wear clothes that are easy to move in.

Yoga instructors, Jessica Key of Mini Yoga STL, or Mara Bruce, create a friendly and dynamic atmosphere, filled with downward dog, wheel, cobra, hand stands against the wall, and much more. This yoga class is a great after school activity for kids (and Moms too!) to get some exercise, take some deep breaths, and regroup after a busy day.

Prana Yoga is a beautiful and thoughtfully designed yoga facility located at 11771 Manchester Road in Des Peres. The studio is beneath the Terra gift store in the Ace Hardware shopping plaza. Mary Jane Cusumano and Melanie Zuanich opened the studio in 2011 and have built an enthusiastic and dedicated yoga community.

Current Prana Yoga Schedule

Photo: Mini Yoga STL